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Catechumenate 2008

Baptism - The First Sacrament

Confirmation

Reception

DECREE FOR THE ARMENIANS
"Holy Baptism holds the first place among the sacraments, because it is the door of the spiritual life; for by it we are made members of Christ and incorporated with the Church. And since through the first man death entered into all, unless we be born again of water and the Holy Ghost, we can not enter into the kingdom of Heaven, as Truth Himself has told us. The matter of this sacrament is true and natural water; and it is indifferent whether it be cold or hot. The form is: I baptize thee in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. We do not, however, deny that the words: Let this servant of Christ be baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost; or: This person is baptized by my hands in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost, constitute true baptism; because since the principal cause from which baptism has its efficacy is the Holy Trinity, and the instrumental cause is the minister who confers the sacrament exteriorly, then if the act exercised by the minister be expressed, together with the invocation of the Holy Trinity, the sacrament is perfected. The minister of this sacrament is the priest, to whom it belongs to baptize, by reason of his office. In case of necessity, however, not only a priest or deacon, but even a layman or woman, nay, even a pagan or heretic can baptize, provided he observes the form used by the Church, and intends to perform what the Church performs. The effect of this sacrament is the remission of all sin, original and actual; likewise of all punishment which is due for sin. As a consequence, no satisfaction for past sins is enjoined upon those who are baptized; and if they die before they commit any sin, they attain immediately to the kingdom of heaven and the vision of God."

Baptism

BAPTISM is regarded as the first sacrament of the Christian Church, and it is sometimes called the "door of the sacraments" and the "door of the Church."

Infant Baptism: Parents who desire baptism for their children are encouraged to contact Fr. Davenport to make the necessary arrangements.

Adult Baptism: If you have not been baptized, or do not know whether you have been validly baptized, but desire baptism, please contact Father Davenport by telephone at (202) 347-8161 or by email, and he will arrange for you to meet other adults in an enriching process that leads to baptism.

The form and matter of baptism, like so many other questions that are essential to the Church, were for long the causes of heated dispute. Over the years, however, the various points of controversy have been settled: baptism is with water and it is performed in the name of the three Persons of the Holy Trinity. The baptizer says "I baptize thee in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit." Any other liquid, and any other words, are invalid.

For an exhaustive treatment of the historical disputes over baptism, see the Catholic Encyclopedia's article entitled Baptism.

Questions?

If you have questions about any of these matters, or if you would like to arrange for a baptism, please call Fr. Davenport or Fr. Wood at (202) 347-8161.